Degradation Mode of PBAT Mulching Film and Control Methods During Its Degradation Induction Period

Abstract

: The plastic film plays an important role in China's agricultural production. However, the large-scale use of plastic film has also produced a very serious problem of agricultural film pollution. Biodegradable polymers have attracted much attention because of the environmental pollution caused by traditional plastic mulching film. The most typical one is poly (butylene adipate co butylene terephthalate, PBAT). Poly (Butylene Adipate-co-Terephthalate) (PBAT) is a kind of aliphatic–aromatic polyesters with excellent biodegradability and mechanical processing properties. Therefore, it has been rapidly developed and widely used in the industry. However, there are clear requirements for the degradation period of agricultural film. At present, the degradable materials available on the market are difficult to meet the requirements of all crops for their degradation period. In this paper, the basic properties，degradation process and ways to delay the degradation of PBAT are reviewed to improve the degradation period of plastic film prepared by using this kind of material. Among them, the degradation process includes photodegradation, biodegradation and hydrolysis. The ways to delay the degradation include adding chain extender, light stabilizer, anti-hydrolysis agent and antibacterial agent. These can provide a theoretical basis for the research and development of biodegradable film with controllable degradation cycle. The future research and development of biodegradable polymers mainly focus on controllable degradation rate, stable degradation cycle, new materials and reducing research and development costs.